Former tennis star Boris Becker has been convicted of four charges under the Insolvency Act related to his 2017 bankruptcy. The 54-year-old was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of transferring hundreds of thousands of pounds from his business account after being declared bankrupt, failing to declare a property in Germany, and concealing €825,000 of debt.
Becker was acquitted of 20 other charges, including nine counts of failing to hand over trophies and medals from his tennis career, such as his two Wimbledon men's singles titles. The six-time Grand Slam champion declined to comment on the verdict as he left court.
The former world number one was declared bankrupt in June 2017 over an unpaid loan exceeding £3 million on his estate in Mallorca, Spain. He told the jury that his career earnings of $50 million (approximately £38 million) were depleted by an expensive divorce, child maintenance, and lifestyle costs, including a £22,000-a-month rented house in Wimbledon.
Becker claimed he was 'shocked' and 'embarrassed' by his bankruptcy and had cooperated with authorities, even offering his wedding ring. His barrister, Jonathan Laidlaw QC, argued that Becker was too 'trusting and reliant' on his advisers at the time.
Judge Deborah Taylor instructed the jury to ignore Becker's celebrity status. Dean Beale of the Insolvency Service stated that the conviction serves as a warning to those who attempt to hide assets. Becker has been bailed pending sentencing on 29 April, facing a maximum of seven years in prison per count.
